The impressive showing includes standout results in sprinting events, where SA men are proving to be serious contenders.
In the men’s 100m, three SA have broken the 10-second barrier. Leading the charge is Akani Simbine, whose blistering 9.90-second run is currently the fastest time in the world. Bayanda Walaza and Gift Leotlela follow closely, both clocking 9.99 seconds to tie for seventh place globally.
The 200m event also features three SA in the global top 10: Sinesipho Dambile (5th, 20.01 seconds), Walaza again (9th, 20.08), and Naeem Jack (10th, 20.13). These performances mark a promising resurgence in South African sprinting, traditionally dominated by nations like the United States and Jamaica.
In the 400m, Zakithi Nene holds 4th place with a time of 44.22 seconds, while Tshepo Tshite is ranked 5th in the 1500m after running 3:32.03. Distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt stands out with two top-10 global rankings, 7th in the 5000m (12:55.02) and an impressive 3rd in the 10 000m (26:51.27).
In hurdles and middle-distance events, Sabelo Dhlamini is ranked 5th in the 400m hurdles (48.57), while Prudence Sekgodiso is 7th in the women’s 800m with a time of 1:58.40. Dominique Scott is 8th in the 10 000m (31:02.32), and Marione Fourie rounds out the list in 10th place in the 100m hurdles (12.62).
--ChannelAfrica/WendyMothata--
